The Raissa Child Protection Initiative (TRCPI) has launched a year-long anti-child sexual abuse campaign as part of efforts to create awareness about crimes against children and how such abuses can be prevented.

The campaign was launched on Wednesday at the Dawu Presbyterian Junior High School in the Eastern Region through an engaging and educative interaction with pupils on sexual abuse, how to seek help, and practical ways to reduce their risk of becoming victims.

It will run throughout the year and will focus on school visits and community outreach, especially in areas where vulnerability is high. Beyond child protection, the campaign will also encourage children to be morally upright and to take their education seriously by focusing on their books.

Addressing the pupils, the Founder of TRCPI, Raissa Sambou, advised them to seek prompt help from parents, teachers, or trusted adults if they ever find themselves in situations where they could be abused.

She urged the pupils to remain focused on their education and avoid the company of bad friends who could corrupt their morals and distract them from their goals.

Sambou encouraged the children to be morally upright, confident, and fearless while working hard to achieve their dreams, stressing that sexual abuse and sexual immorality pose serious threats to a bright future.

She made it clear that sexual abuse does not affect only girls, explaining that boys can also be victims and should therefore be alert and report any suspicious behaviour or attempts to abuse them to their parents or teachers.

A member of the TRCPI team, Stephanie Birikorang, advised the pupils against bullying or teasing their colleagues who may have experienced any form of abuse, explaining that such behaviour discourages victims from speaking up.

She noted that bullying and teasing in all forms are harmful and called on the pupils to learn to love, protect, and encourage one another, especially in difficult moments.

Also present at the event was the Founder of AJ Helps the Needy, Mrs Anita Opoku-Appiah who encouraged the pupils to stay committed to their studies and avoid making excuses such as hunger or lack of sanitary pads to engage in sexual immorality.

She urged the children to speak up when they face challenges and to seek help rather than putting themselves at risk.

The Headteacher of Dawu Presbyterian JHS expressed appreciation to the TRCPI team, noting that such engagements play a key role in shaping the behaviour and mindset of children.

TRCPI reaffirmed its belief that sensitisation equals prevention and pledged to continue working with schools, families, and communities to create safe environments where children can grow, thrive, and pursue their dreams without fear.

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